2015 -
May
DRIVING - 29.05.2015
New driving licence checks
From 8 June 2015 endorsements and bans will no longer be shown on driving licences. If an employee drives for work, how can you check this information?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 29.05.2015
Sporting and other special events
Whenever a major event takes place - particularly of the sporting variety - absence and requests to watch it on TV can be a concern for employers. So what can you do to help tackle the associated problems?
NEW LEGISLATION - 29.05.2015
Employment law: what do the next few years hold?
With the Conservatives solely in control until 2020 we can now start to predict what will happen to employment law in the immediate future. So what’s on the cards?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 29.05.2015
Grievances received during disciplinary proceedings
An employee who is subject to disciplinary proceedings has responded by raising a grievance. They claim that you must automatically put the disciplinary proceedings on hold until their grievance is concluded. Is this correct?
TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE - 29.05.2015
Tribunal claims with the wrong EC number
When a claimant submits a tribunal claim they must quote their unique early conciliation (EC) number. But according to the Employment Appeal Tribunal, what should happen if they quote this number incorrectly?
BENEFITS - 29.05.2015
Should you consider dental cover?
An employee struggled to obtain NHS dental treatment and, as a result, was off work for a week. It’s now been suggested that dental cover should be provided as a staff benefit. Is this something you should consider?
WHISTLEBLOWING - 29.05.2015
Whistleblowing and the public interest test
In order to succeed in a whistleblowing claim, one of the things an employee must show is that it meets the public interest test. What must they do to demonstrate this?
ELECTRICAL SAFETY - 29.05.2015
Live cables lurking out of sight
A manufacturing company has been fined heavily after a subcontractor was electrocuted. But as the contractor was not an electrician, how did he come into contact with a live conductor?
SAFETY SIGNS, SIGNALS AND NOTICES POLICY - 29.05.2015
Give staff the right signs
When safety signs are displayed correctly they help to give the right first impression whilst also providing clear information to staff and visitors. But what are the considerations when selecting signs? Our policy guides the way.
CONTRACTORS - 29.05.2015
Avoid the paperwork checks on contractors
The guidance to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 says that using a third-party scheme to complete paperwork checks on a potential contractor is acceptable. Should you do this?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 29.05.2015
Cutting disk error was fatal
A case heard in May 2015 illustrates the need for employees to have a thorough understanding of abrasive wheel safety before using angle grinders and similar equipment. What happened?
ENFORCEMENT - 29.05.2015
Has the HSE gone quiet?
The HSE has been maintaining a low profile for some time. Does this mean that it’s taking a back seat or should you still be wary?
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH - 29.05.2015
Food safety sanctions on the menu
The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) strategic plan for 2015 to 2020 looks to reputational sanctions and transparency as a means of driving up standards of food hygiene. What’s the story?
FIRE SAFETY - 29.05.2015
What’s a watermist system?
You’ve heard that it’s a good idea to install a watermist system to protect high value parts of your premises. What’s involved and is it ever a legal requirement to install such a system?
SOFTWARE - VIDEO - 28.05.2015
Working with subtitles
You may have some videos on your computer which you would like to add subtitles to. Where do you find English subtitles, how do you display them and what if you want to edit or create your own, e.g. for a company video?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - MISCELLANEOUS - 28.05.2015
Earn more via your website
By placing other people’s ads, e.g. a banner, on your own website, you can generate extra income. This type of “affiliate marketing” lets you earn money through your own visitors. Is this a good idea?
MISCELLANEOUS - HOME - 28.05.2015
Measure your energy consumption using a “smart” meter
If you would like to find out why your electricity bill is so steep, a smart energy meter can help. What exactly is an electricity monitor, how does it work and how can it help you?
BUSINESS - FLEXIBLE WORKING - 28.05.2015
New ways of working
More people are working remotely - either full or part time. We examine sites that provide information for employers, employees, freelancers and SMEs.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 28.05.2015
How to create your first Twitter account?
Almost everyone who wants to be heard these days has a Twitter account with lots of followers. If you’re not into tweeting yet how do you get started and how do you collect a large following? Here are some tips.
SOFTWARE - COMPUTER MANAGEMENT - 28.05.2015
Show it, remotely
Suppose you want to show something on your own computer to a customer, colleague or friend who’s somewhere else. How can you do this? We put some options to the test.
COMPUTER - MOBILE - 28.05.2015
A Surface or hybrid device: better than a tablet?
iPads and Android tablets are very popular. However, if you prefer a fully-fledged laptop in a portable format, a device like the Surface or other hybrid is a possible alternative. What do they have to offer?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE PHOTOS - 28.05.2015
Professional photo editing
The days are gone when you had to install heavy-duty software to edit your photos: almost everything is now possible in your browser or on your mobile device. Here’s a web service and app for advanced users.
SOFTWARE - APPS - 28.05.2015
Save webpages to read later
Have you discovered an interesting article or webpage but don’t you have the time to read it immediately? Instead of saving it as a favourite in your browser you could also save it directly in a “read app”. How does this work?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 28.05.2015
Smart e-mail management in Outlook 365 with Clutter
Many people find it hard to process their daily e-mail load. That’s why Microsoft has developed Clutter, a new function for Outlook 365 Business which automatically creates order in your inbox. How does it work?
HEATING - 28.05.2015
What do the Scots have to say about heating?
The Scottish government has published a guide showing small and medium-sized businesses how to cut their heating bills. Is there anything in this that you might find useful?
CLIMATE CHANGE - 28.05.2015
New government policies?
With a Conservative government in place until 2020, what can you expect in terms of environmental policy? Is a swing to green the likely outcome?
VEHICLES - 28.05.2015
Are diesel cars no longer a green option?
For many years diesel vehicles have been considered a green alternative to petrol ones. However, the tide may have turned. Does this mean that it’s time to trade in your current vehicle?
ENFORCEMENT - 28.05.2015
How to avoid a costly environmental court case
If you have caused pollution you could be in for a heavy fine. However, as a recent case proves, even though you’ve breached environmental law, you can avoid being prosecuted. What should you do?
WASTE - 28.05.2015
Changes to battery legislation
The government is planning to change the rules on producer responsibility for waste batteries and packaging. What is being proposed, when are the changes to be made and what, if any, are the likely implications for your business?
ENERGY TARIFFS - 28.05.2015
Cleaning up energy tariff greenwash
Some energy suppliers have apparently been duping customers with dodgy green energy tariffs. Will rules that came into force in April 2015 help you sort the good from the bad?
WATER - 28.05.2015
Are you worried about water security?
Water experts have raised concerns about the long-term availability of water for business users. If you use large quantities, what should you be doing to protect your business for the future?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 26.05.2015
More properties caught in ATED net
The special capital gains tax (CGT) on corporately owned residential properties has been extended. What are your options should it affect your company?
INHERITANCE TAX - 26.05.2015
Gifts - two tax reliefs for the price of one?
Where you make a gift to an individual, say a son or daughter, it remains part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes for seven years. But if they work for the family company you can dodge the seven year wait. How does it work?
VAT - 26.05.2015
VAT, staff training and foreign workers
Over the last year you’ve taken on several foreign workers. They are a valuable part of your workforce, but their poor English is causing one or two problems. If you pay for some tutoring what’s the tax and VAT position?
CORPORATION TAX - 26.05.2015
Turning green equipment into cash
Businesses get a 100% rate of tax deduction for the cost of environmentally friendly equipment. This is no better than the annual investment allowance (AIA)rate. So what’s the advantage in claiming it?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 26.05.2015
How to value assets for capital allowances
A tribunal refused a company’s claim for capital allowances (CAs) on certain assets it bought during a takeover. For others it said the company’s calculations were unreasonable. What went wrong and how can you avoid similar trouble?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 26.05.2015
Bikes - a tax break in time for the summer
With fine weather on the way (fingers crossed!) it’s time to dust off your old bicycle or perhaps invest in a new one. Rather than dip into your own pocket could your company take advantage of HMRC’s cycle to work scheme?
EXPENSES - 26.05.2015
Taking your partner on a business trip
During a business record check the HMRC officer spots some expenses in your company’s files relating to business trips you took with your partner. She says the company can’t claim a deduction for these. Is she right?
MONEY LAUNDERING - 26.05.2015
Tighter money laundering rules
The EU’s money laundering directive will mean more checks will need to be made on customers. When and how might these rules apply to your business?
HEALTH AND SAFETY - 26.05.2015
Alcohol and machinery: a dangerous mix
Apparently, 14% of employees have operated dangerous machinery after consuming alcohol - but they’re just the ones who are prepared to admit it. When does this commonly happen and how can you prevent it?
LEGAL COMPLIANCE - 26.05.2015
Advertising claims: playing safe or too risky?
Having received stacks of written compliments, you want to run an ad campaign which says: “We’re the best - our customers would recommend us”. Is this statement OK or are you asking for trouble?
DIRECTORS’ INVESTMENTS - 26.05.2015
Buy to lets: don’t overlook the deposit
Many business owners invest their cash in the buy-to-let market. If you’re one of them you must do certain things correctly to prevent losing your rights of eviction. What must you do without fail?
COMPANY LAW - 26.05.2015
Buying a competitor without cash
You’ve been wanting to aquire a competitor’s business for a while and finally he’s agreed to sell in exchange for shares in your company. How should you agree a price for these and handle the company law formalities?
VAT - 26.05.2015
Get your VAT back for foreign business trips
When you travel abroad on business you’ll usually incur local expenses for food, transport and accommodation. The chances are there will be local VAT payable. When and how can you reclaim it?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 26.05.2015
Optimising directors’ remuneration and R&D
It’s generally more tax efficient for a director shareholder to extract the majority of profit from a company as dividends rather than salary. But what if the company is undertaking R&D? Is this still the optimum remuneration strategy?
SHARE SCHEMES - 26.05.2015
Form 42 changes for 2014/15
The deadline for submitting Form 42 for the 2014/15 tax year is 6 July 2015. For the first time this must be done online. How can you do this?
PROPERTY - 26.05.2015
Non-resident capital gains tax planning
Following the introduction of non-resident capital gains tax (NRCGT) in April 2015, how should you be advising your non-resident property investor clients going forward? What are the opportunities?
SUCCESSION PLANNING - 26.05.2015
Management buyouts - what are the options?
Your client has built up a successful company and is now looking to retire. However, he doesn’t have a next generation to pass the business on to so is looking to sell his shares to key employees. How might he consider doing this?
INCOME TAX LOSSES - 26.05.2015
Ensure an income tax loss claim is valid
With HMRC under pressure to increase the amount of tax collected, a number of 2013 and 2014 cases confirm that it’s looking more closely at income tax loss claims. How can clients ensure that their loss claims will be accepted?
PAYE - 26.05.2015
Is your client a specified employment intermediary?
Clients often hire workers on a subcontract basis to help them fulfil orders etc. Since 6 April 2015 there’s been a change and such businesses may now be liable to make returns to HMRC or face a fine. Which clients are at risk?
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 21.05.2015
Not so fun in the sun
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is warning about the risks associated with working in the sun. What are they?
MANUAL HANDLING - 21.05.2015
The post round
In March 2015 the Court of Appeal considered whether an employer was liable for a trip on the stairs which occurred when an employee was delivering post. What happened and why?
CONSTRUCTION - 21.05.2015
Excavator cut hospital’s gas supply
A major construction company has been prosecuted after uncharacteristic failures caused an excavator to sever the fuel supply to a hospital in the middle of winter. What happened and how can you avoid a similar incident?
CONSTRUCTION - 21.05.2015
Clients’ duties to provide information
If you’re planning any construction work the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 place you under a duty to provide “pre-construction information”. Who needs this and what does it include?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 21.05.2015
When can you use a ladder?
The misuse of ladders at work continues to be a source of many prosecutions. What errors are being cited in court and in what circumstances are ladders an acceptable option?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 21.05.2015
Is your machine guarding below par?
You’ve purchased a new machine for your workshop but there are gaps where you can get your hand in to touch the blade. Is it the manufacturer’s responsibility if there was an accident or would you share the blame?
FIRE SAFETY - 21.05.2015
Is a “tick box” fire risk assessment sufficient?
One of our subscribers carried out their fire risk assessment using a checklist- style form. But an inspector from the fire and rescue service has stated that it doesn’t comply. What’s the problem?
LOSSES - 14.05.2015
Starting a risky business tax efficiently
You’re planning a new business but are unsure of its viability. You’ve been told that because you’re a higher rate taxpayer starting it in your own name rather than through your company will save tax if it makes a loss. Is this correct?
BENEFITS - 14.05.2015
It’s P11D time!
HMRC has released its 2014/15 benefits and expenses Form P11D plus updated guidance to go with it. Is there anything new to watch out for?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 14.05.2015
R&D tax deductions for capital costs
SMEs can claim enhanced tax relief for research and development (R&D) costs. The bad news is that this doesn’t apply to the equipment used for the project. However, you can make use of a different tax break. What is it?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 14.05.2015
CGT for couples
If you and your spouse sell a property which you own jointly you’ll each be taxed on a share of any gain you make. Can you allocate and declare this in the most tax-efficient way or does HMRC have the final say?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 14.05.2015
Sacrificing income tax efficiently
Salary sacrifice arrangements are a tried and tested way of reducing tax and NI. But if you’ve already optimised your salary for maximum tax efficiency are they still worthwhile or is there a better alternative?
VAT - 14.05.2015
When the VATman changes his mind
If you’ve ever asked for or been given guidance by HMRC on how to handle a VAT problem it makes sense to follow it. But where do you stand if the VATman then changes his mind and demands VAT from you?
INVESTMENTS - 14.05.2015
Extending the life of entrepreneurs’ relief
You recently sold your business for a sizeable capital gain which qualifies for the entrepreneurs’ relief (ER) tax break. Can you defer the tax bill indefinitely without jeopardising ER?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 14.05.2015
Reacting to an employee’s bad news
Let’s suppose that an employee has told you about some unexpected bad news they’ve received. It’s important that you react in the right way so what’s the best way to handle this delicate situation?
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS - 14.05.2015
Settlement agreements and future claims
A good settlement agreement will say that it settles all future employment-related claims that the employee has or may have against you. According to the High Court, to what extent can you rely on a clause of this nature?
REDUNDANCY - 14.05.2015
Collective redundancy consultation requirements
When you’re contemplating making 20+ redundancies, collective consultation is required. But is that obligation triggered for 20+ redundancies at a particular establishment or 20+ redundancies across your entire business?
WORK AND PARENTS - 14.05.2015
Antenatal appointment eligibility declarations
An employee has e-mailed you saying that he’s going to “be out for a few hours next week” attending an antenatal appointment with his pregnant partner. Do you have to accept what he says and let him go?
E-MAIL AND INTERNET - 14.05.2015
Unacceptable language in e-mails
An employer has been left red-faced after a member of staff accidentally e-mailed a potential customer calling him a “cheeky f*****”. What simple rule would have prevented its public humiliation?
PAY - 14.05.2015
I can’t come in - there are no trains today!
At the end of April 2015 1,000s of commuters were stuck on trains following a massive power failure. Consequently, many were either seriously late for work or didn’t make it in at all. What’s the legal position on pay in these situations?
DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 14.05.2015
Live written warnings: given in good faith?
An employee who’s under a live written warning has been found to have committed a further act of misconduct. Is it OK to automatically take the live warning into account when imposing a further disciplinary sanction?
PROPERTY - MISCELLANEOUS - 12.05.2015
A new player in the property market
Zoopla and Rightmove are the major players in the online property game. Now there’s a challenge - OnTheMarket - and it’s backed by estate agents.
SOFTWARE - APPS - 12.05.2015
Stop frozen apps in Android or iOS
Like ordinary computers, smartphones and tablets can also freeze. This is usually caused by an app which is no longer responding to screen touches. How can you close such an app in order to be able to continue working?
LEISURE - PHOTOGRAPHY - 12.05.2015
Better digital photos
Everyone takes digital photographs these days. But how do you make professional-looking pictures that you can use in your company brochure or on your website? We looked for good online tips.
SOFTWARE - LINUX - 12.05.2015
A taste of Linux?
The Linux operating system is stable, safe and memory-efficient. Do you have a computer on which you would like to try Linux out as an alternative for Windows? Which version should you choose?
SOFTWARE - VIDEO - 12.05.2015
How to make screencasts
Using BlueBerry Flashback software, you can record screencasts of everything that’s happening on your screen. Is this a useful tool and are there any alternatives?
BUSINESS - MARKETING - 12.05.2015
Internet marketing: use every channel optimally
The Internet allows you to showcase your business, activities, products and your services. You can do so via your website, e-mail and social media. But each channel requires a different approach. Where do you find more information?
LEISURE - MISCELLANEOUS - 12.05.2015
Drones: more than just toys?
Drones are no longer reserved for professional purposes only: there are relatively cheap drones for private use too. What do they have to offer?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 12.05.2015
Make your customers stay
Your (potential) customers visit your website with an aim in mind, from simply looking up information to actually ordering a product. And yet many visitors leave your site prematurely. How can you prevent this?
